Skip to content

Tigers' Scherzer to start Game 1 of ALDS

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Max Scherzer finished the regular season strong. The Detroit Tigers are hoping he opens the postseason with similar results.

Scherzer will get the ball for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles opposite right-hander Chris Tillman, manager Brad Ausmus announced Tuesday.

The hard-throwing right-hander pitched to a 2.48 ERA over five September starts after striking out the third-most batters in the AL this season.

Scherzer also opened last year's Division Series on the road, limiting the Oakland Athletics to two runs on three hits with 11 strikeouts. 

Following Scherzer in the rotation will be Justin Verlander, David Price and, if necessary, Rick Porcello. Should there be a fifth and deciding game, it stands to reason Scherzer will make his second start of the series.

GAME PITCHER IP SO ERA WHIP
1 Max Scherzer 220.1 252 3.15 1.18
2 Justin Verlander 206.0 159 4.54 1.40
3 David Price 248.1 271 3.26 1.08
4 Rick Porcello 204.2 129 3.43 1.23

While the four pitchers scheduled to start don't come as a surprise, it's worth noting Ausmus' decision to go with Verlander in Baltimore. The 31-year-old endured an up-and-down season and struggled against the Orioles, allowing seven earned runs, 11 hits and five walks in two starts. 

Verlander was rocked for five runs over six innings in his only start at Oriole Park at Camden Yards this season.

Price, the Tigers' prized trade-deadline acquisition, will pitch the first game in Detroit. The major-league leader in strikeouts went 4-2 at Comerica Park this season, posting a 3.71 ERA across seven starts with 50 punchouts in 51 innings.

The Orioles have yet to announce their rotation beyond Game 1.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox